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Christmas at Studland Bay

Published:
19 October 2026
Shell Bay - wooden crossroads sign, Winter
Shell Bay - wooden crossroads sign, Winter | © National Trust Images/ Jon Bish

Get together with friends and family at Studland Bay this Christmas to enjoy bracing walks, beauty, nature and history.

There’s plenty to enjoy at Studland Bay this Christmas.  Take in bracing seaside walks with hot chocolate in hand as winter birds soar overhead. explore the dunes with the twelve days of Christmas family trail, catch sunrise at Old Harry Rocks on the shortest day of the year, or join the festive fun with our Tinsel 10k run.

Quizmas trail 

28 November 2026 - 3 January 2027 | 10am - 3pm | Free trail | Starts Knoll Beach visitor reception

A self-led, circular walk, heading along the beach and through the dunes. Starts at Knoll beach, turn left to find question one. Follow the arrows between the questions and answers.

You can head round the trail at any time, but between 10am and 3pm you can collect a sticker at Visitor Reception for completing the trail.  See what nature you can find on the way, such as the yellow gorse flowers and winter birds.

For more information:  Quizmas trail

Winter Solstice sunrise walk

Monday 21 December 2025 | 7:15am - 10:00am | Booking Essential | Adult £27 and Child £16

Join us for our popular magical morning walk to view the sunrise from Old Harry Rocks on the shortest day of the year followed by a Full English Breakfast at Knoll Beach Café.

Indoor and outdoor seating available.  Dogs welcome but only assistance dogs are allowed inside the cafe. 

Find out more and book your tickets here:  Winter Solstice walk

Trust 10k run

Sunday 22 November and Sunday 27 December 2025 | 8:45am-11:00am | Booking not required | Free event

Challenge yourself on our regular 10k run with breathtaking views. The Trust10 is all about enjoying the landscapes and nature surrounding you rather than a competitive event supported by timing systems. 

The Trust10 on 27 December will be a 'Tinsel 10' and fancy dress is encouraged.

Find out more here: Trust 10 trail run

 

Christmas in and around Dorset 

Discover how the houses and gardens around Dorset are being transformed for Christmas in 2026 and plan your festive day out.

A small child accepts a gift from Father Christmas